Nubra Valley Ladakh: Best Night Sky, Weather, How to Reach Nubra Valley 2024
Nubra Valley: Land of High Passes & Sand Dunes – Nubra Valley is home to the highest motorable road Khardongla pass (18,380ft.) majestic peaks and glaciers enchanting valleys and villages. Diskit and Samstanling Gonpa, Panamik hot spring, double humped camel safari, river rafting, trekking and Sunbathe in the sand dunes at Hunder are also a great source of attraction for the tourists This valley is popularly known as Ldumra or the valley of orchard/flowers.
Known for its orchards, scenic vistas, Bactrian camels and monasteries; Nubra Valley is the northernmost part of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated about 150 km from Leh, Nubra Valley is known as the Orchard of Ladakh and was originally called Ldumra which meant the valley of flowers.
Surrounded by snowcapped Himalayan ranges, Nubra valley lies sandwiched between Tibet and Kashmir. The view of the valley is picturesque and breathtaking. During winter, the whole valley looks like landscape of the moon (reason for calling Moonland) and in summer full of greenery.
The climate, of the areas being soft, soil is much fertile and the vegetation of the area is comparatively thicker than those of the other areas of Ladakh. Shrubs, bushes and trees grow in abundance wherever there is any source of water. Due to this reason Nubra has acquired its right name- Ldumra. Shayok and Siachan rivers forms fairly large drain in Nubra. Nubra is a broad valley with lofty mountains on its all sides.
To reach Nubra valley, you will have to cross the awe-inspiring Khardung La, the highest motorable pass in the world. Winding channels of the Shyok and Nubra Rivers crisscross the wide and flat Nubra valley. From a distance, the valley seems parched and dry. However, the valley mainly consists of prime farm land. No wonder then that the valley has earned the sobriquet Orchard of Ladakh.
Best Places to visit in Nubra Valley
Nubra Valley is a truly unique and beautiful place, and it is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Ladakh. If you are looking for an adventure off the beaten path, Nubra Valley is the perfect destination for you.
Khardung La Pass
The highest motorable road in the world with its ultimate point Khardung La pass at 5,602 meters above sea level. Descending the pass, the first Nubra village you will reach is Khardung village with a handful of households. As recent as 2008, Khardung La route was the sole access to Nubra. However, later, an alternative road was built via Wari La pass of Sakti village.
The highest point of the trip, Khardung La has become an unmissable attraction for the tourists. They make sure to alight here and stay awhile feeling the altitude, chilly wind and the panoramic expanse of Leh beneath. Needless to say, the spot turns into a memorabilia for the visitors. They click pictures and videos of the breathtaking backdrop of lit blue sky, high ice peaks and colorful strings of prayer flags.
Diskit Monastery
Diskit Monastery, also known as Deskit Gompa or Diskit Gompa, is the oldest and largest Buddhist monastery (gompa) in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, northern India.
Diskit is the administrative centre of Nubra valley and is popular for the ancient monasteries it holds. Belonging to the 14th century, this monastery is considered to be the largest and oldest monastery in Nubra Valley. Also known as Diskit Gompa, the monastery’s most prominent attraction is the huge Maitreya Buddha statue atop it, which was inaugurated by HH Dalai Lama.
From the base of the statue, one can get a gorgeous panoramic view of the Nubra valley. The monastery was founded by Changzen Tserab Zangpo in the 14th century and is situated on a hill above the plains of Shayok river. One should also visit the monastery for its vast collection of murals and display of frescoes. Visit the monastery especially in December to attend the Dosmoche festival held here.
Hunder Sand Dunes
Hunder Sand Dunes is a captivating destination nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. Located at an altitude of approximately 10,000 feet above sea level, these sand dunes offer a mesmerizing contrast, lush greenery on one side and the stark barrenness of the Siachen Glacier.
Bactrian Camel Ride in Hunder Sand Dunes of Nubra Valley is touristy kitsch, like many other things in popular tourist spots of India, such as those out of depth yaks in Manali. Hunder sand dunes, formed after a historical flood in 1927, stretches several kilometres. Today, these formations mesmerize the visitors. In turn, the villagers have benefited from the economic activities around tourism. You can relish an evening on these dunes while enjoying folk dance and music.
Turtuk
Turtuk tour is known not only for its scenic beauty but also for the reason that it shares a border with Pakistan. Considered the northernmost point of India, it’s the only border area in Ladakh accessible for the tourists.
The village has an interesting history. Turtuk, along with its three villages Tyakshi, Chalunkha and Dhothang, was once a part of Baltistan in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. However, in the 1971 war between India and Pakistan, Turtuk was brought under India. Due to this peculiar past, Turtuk offers a distinctive Balti culture to witness. From their dresses to their cuisine, it’s a unique village not just in Nubra valley but in Ladakh as well. The inhabitants speak Balti language, a tongue mainly spoken in Baltistan today.
Sumur, Samstanling Monastery
The Samstanling Monastery is a well-known tourist destination, located in Sumur Village in Nubra Valley. The monastery serves as the main monastery for the region and is significant to locals there too. In fact, it’s quite popular among tourists as well.
The literal name of Sumur village is Sum-yur, which translates as ‘three streams’. Situated along the Nubra River, with wide expanses of green fields and dense orchards, the village boasts of Samstanling monastery. Built in 1847, Samstanling is one of the largest gompas of Nubra with almost a hundred monk residents today. In the vicinity, you could also enjoy the waterfalls that dot the village. Since 2006, the villagers have begun offering accommodation facilities to the visitors for night stays.
Panamik Hot Spring
Panamik is a contraction of “Spang na Chumik“, meaning ‘the spring in the meadows’. A hot water-spring flows through the village meadows, hence the name Panamik or Spang na Chumik. The village is famed for its hot spring, considered therapeutic with medicinal benefits. The amchis (traditional doctors) recommend bathing in this hot spring to cure many ailments with high success rate.
Panamik is also the base camp for the trek to Ensa gompa. Hidden in the recess folds of mountains, Ensa monastery rests on a hill overlooking the valley beneath. Locals visit the gompa as a pilgrimage and to see the footprint of Maitreya Buddha, believed to be self-generated without anyone engraving it. Curious fact: back in the Silk Route days, Panamik was the first place for the traders from Yarkand to halt over. In fact, Nubra valley was the gateway to the Central Asian countries during the Silk Route days.
Nubra Valley Night Sky: The Stargazing Heaven
High altitude: Nubra Valley is located at an altitude of over 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). This means that there is less atmosphere above you to block out the light from the stars.
Low light pollution: There are very few towns or villages in Nubra Valley, and there is very little light pollution. This means that you can see the stars much more clearly than you can in most places.
Clear skies: Nubra Valley has a very dry climate, which means that there are usually very few clouds in the sky. This gives you a good chance of seeing the stars on a clear night.
Here are some of the things you can see in the night sky in Nubra Valley:
- The Milky Way: The Milky Way is our galaxy, and it appears as a band of stars stretching across the night sky.
- Constellations: There are many constellations that can be seen in the night sky, including Ursa Major (the Great Bear), Orion, and Cassiopeia.
- Planets: Depending on the time of year, you may be able to see some of the planets in our solar system, such as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
- Meteors: If you are lucky, you may also see some meteors (shooting stars) streaking across the night sky.
Best Time to Visit
April to June: This is the peak tourist season in Nubra Valley, and for good reason. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from around 10°C to 25°C. The days are long and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as sightseeing, trekking, and camel safaris.
September and October: The shoulder seasons (September and October) offer comfortable weather with fewer crowds. The temperatures start to cool down a bit, but they are still pleasant for sightseeing. This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the peak season crowds.
July and August: Monsoon season arrives in Nubra Valley during July and August. This can make the roads impassable and can lead to flight cancellations. However, if you are on a tight budget, you may be able to find some good deals on accommodation during this time. It’s best to avoid Nubra Valley during this time if you can.
Winter (November to March): Nubra Valley is very cold and snowy during the winter months. The roads are often closed, and most of the accommodation options are closed as well. However, if you are an experienced winter trekker, you may be able to visit Nubra Valley during this time. Keep in mind that this is not recommended for most tourists.
How to Reach Nubra Valley
By Air:
Take a flight to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. From Leh, you can either hire a cab or take a bus to Nubra Valley.
By Road:
There are three routes to reach Nubra Valley by road. The most popular route is via Khardung La, which is the world’s highest motorable pass. The other two routes are via Wari La and Agham Shyok Road.
- Leh to Nubra Valley via Khardung La: This is the most scenic route, but it is also the most challenging. The road is narrow and winding, and there can be a lot of traffic. Be sure to acclimatize to the high altitude before attempting this drive.
- Leh to Nubra Valley via Wari La: This route is less crowded than the Khardung La route, but it is also not as well-maintained. The road can be rough and there may be some river crossings.
- Leh to Nubra Valley via Agham Shyok Road: This is the longest route, but it is also the easiest. The road is well-maintained and there is very little traffic. However, this route does not take you over any high mountain passes.
Due to its strategic location, tourism in Nubra Valley is strictly regulated. Visitors can explore monasteries, sand dunes, and picturesque villages. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in camel safaris, trekking, and camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Nubra Valley so famous?
Nubra valley is known for its centuries-old gompas, hot sulphur springs, high-altitude sand dunes, double-humped Bactrian camels and a unique amalgamation of mountains, rivers and deserts. The Karakoram mountain range and the valley combine to create a fantastic desert landscape and fertile fields.
Is Nubra colder than Leh?
Compared to Leh, the Nubra Valley is lower in altitude and experiences milder temperatures.
Why is Khardung La famous?
Khardong La is historically important as it lies on the major caravan route from Leh to Kashgar in Central Asia. About 10,000 horses and camels used to take the route annually, and a small population of Bactrian camels can still be seen at Hunder, in the area north of the pass.
What is the best time to visit Nubra Valley?
April to June and September to October are the two best times of the year to visit Nubra Valley.
Can we do Nubra Valley in one day?
Yes, doing Nubra Valley Day Trip by Car is safe, but taking necessary precautions while traveling is always recommended.
